On this occasion, Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. TAKADA Mitsuyuki, reconfirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Albania’s development in the healthcare sector and other sectors as well. The Hospital Director, Ms. Xheni HALILI, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan and Ambassador TAKADA for the continuous support, especially underlining the Grant’s importance in these difficult times.

Japan has been continuously supporting Albania’s development in the healthcare field such as the handover ceremonies in Vlora Regional Hospital and Trauma University Hospital in Tirana for medical equipment. On February 3rd 2021, the Ambassador of Japan, TAKADA Mitsuyuki, signed a Grant Agreement amounting to roughly 800,000 Euro with the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Ogerta MANASTIRLIU. The Government of Japan is extending this grant to developing countries affected by the COVID-19 to provide medical equipment with the aim to strengthen the public health and medical system.

Additionally, on September 1st 2021, Representative of JICA Balkan Office, TAKEICHI Jiro, singed the Record of Discussions with Director General of Institute of Public Health (ISHP) Albana FICO, for the implementation of a Technical Cooperation Project amounting to 700,000 Euro. The Project will enhance the capacities of Institute of Public Health on mobility for improving the epidemiologic surveillance as well as enhance the technical capacities for maintaining the cool chain of vaccines and improve their distribution throughout the country of Albania by providing several types of vehicles and equipment such as ultra-low freezers, 4WD pick-up trucks, heavy duty 4WDs and vans with freezers.

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the opening of the Embassy of Japan in Albania and during this period, 7 Grant agreements in the field of healthcare have been extended to several public hospitals in Albania, with a total amount of approximately EUR 550,000. Since the start of this GGP Programme in 1998, the Government of Japan has funded 54 projects worth approximately 3.4 million Euro for the people of Albania.

The Government of Japan is dedicated to continuing its support for creating a better society for all people and committed to working together with the people of Albania.